The animals, all bulldog types, bounded from a car as it pulled up outside Hornchurch Country Park, before tearing into West Highland terrier, Freddie.

Jack Foster, 13, jumped onto a fence to safety as he watched his dog being “ripped to shreds”, while dad Mick Foster battled the other beasts.

Mick, 44, said: “Those dogs were absolutely crazed; they just went for my dog. The owner had no control over them.

“One of the dogs had got mine by the throat and was ripping him to shreds. I started kicking it and when I threatened to kill it, the owner started punching it - but it wouldn’t let go. The other dogs were snapping around but couldn’t get a hold.

“Jack was on a fence and hysterical. At the time, I saw red mist and just thought I needed to protect my dog, but looking back I could’ve been badly hurt.”

He added: “Every time I close my eyes, I can see my dog being torn apart - it’s terrible. Those dogs should be on lead and have a muzzle in a public area.”

Mick managed to wrestle Freddie free when the bulldog took a breath.

Mick said: “Even while I was carrying Freddie back to the car, one of the dogs was trying to get at him in my arms.”

The four-year-old pet was lucky to survive after being left with 20 deep puncture wounds to his neck.

He has undergone two operations, costing the Fosters some £600.

Police are investigating the attack, which happened at around 4.20pm, on Monday, February 4.

Up at The O2 has teamed up with London24 to give one lucky reader the chance to experience urban mountaineering this summer with an exhilarating 90-minute climb across the roof of one of London’s most iconic landmarks.